So Weak I Am

Tell Me Something Girl     Are You Happy In This Modern World    Or Do You Need More    Is There Something Else You're Searching For      I'm Falling        In All The Good Times    I Find Myself Longing For Change     And In The Bad Times     I Fear Myself     Tell Me Something Boy    Aren't You Tired Trying To Fill That Void      Or Do You Need More     Ain't It Hard Keeping It So Hardcore     I'm Falling   In All Good Times    I Find Myself Longing For Change     And In Bad Times     I Fear Myself    I'm Off The Deep End   Watch As I Dive In     I'll Never Meet The Ground     Crash Through The Surface    Where They Can't Hurt Us     We're Far From The Shallow Now 

Lady Gaga , Bradley Cooper

Star Is Born 2018 

Hello All, 

Yes, you read that title correctly. The first order of business was to remove the inside cap from the top of the boiler. Once I accomplished that task without dropping parts into the belly of the boiler itself , cleaning this old cap began. I have zero idea for how long ago the old gasket was installed around this cap. But I can tell you that it had melted and/or broken down many moons ago. Looking Good Now 

The above photo is of the old ball value and contraption for regulating the boiler. That big ball looking thing is what needed to be replaced and that open valve there is rather important for properly installing this beauty. Joy

Once we replaced to nipples and a 6 inch pipe , the assembly process began. City Boy , Little E and I started tightening this all back together. We struggled like crazy with this process and those are City Boys hands on top there in the above picture. We literally gave it all we had and ended up with a 16 and 3/4 in gap between valves. Guess what??? That gap must be at 15 inch period. Even when I gave it my all which included my tiny little boney butt , 16 and 5/8 was all that we could muster. City Boy asked me to go measure again because we all needed a breather here. Measuring was simply a distraction. City Boy even walked back to boiler just to look over my shoulder to make sure I could unequivocally read a taper measure correctly. Thankfully he did because he coaxed two of the biggest gym rats to come and help us. So wished I captured this task on video.  True Testosterone Baby  

Now the one guy is way taller than me and strapped. The other guy is about my hight but always wears sweatshirts or baggy tops. He whips off is top to unveil his Sylvester Stallone physique wearing a white wife beater tank top. His arms are Phuc N solid and his waist is about the same diameter as my thigh. These two brawny guys could easily compete in bodybuilding competitions like right now. Once they attached our two pipe wrenches , I quickly ducked to stabilized the base with my grip , them boys began tightening down this whole apparatus like butter. My jaw hit the floor as they grunted away with raw power. With each quarter turn , they closed the gap like a paperboy folding a newspaper before wrapping with it up with a rubber band. Now remember , three of use were struggling and felt defeated. These two monsters rocked it out with minimal effort. When I measured the first time , 15 and 1/4 inches. Two more rotations and 15 inches on the flipping nose. Impressive 

As we left the shop proud like peacocks , I carried this bad boy back to the boiler room. Once Little E and I attached this sucker onto the side of the boiler , it was a matter of transferring the old wire schematics to the new control box. Up and running went the boiler and the stream room was full of life once again. All in a days work I say while rolling my eyes. 

In Closing , Better Start Eating My Wheaties, 

Cheers 

Do You See What I See

Color Me Your Color Baby    Color Me Your Car        Color Me Your Color Darling     I Know Who You Are     Come Up Off Your Color Chart       I Know Where You're Coming From     Call Me Call Me On The Line    Call Me Call Me Any Anytime    Call Me Call Me I'll Arrive      You Can Call Me Any Day Or Night     Call Me 

Blondie

American Gigolo 1980 

Today was one of those days were I thought to myself , " Oh BoY." A number of issues presented themselves to me but here is the banner issue to speak of. The old boiler , installed 1991 , finally went belly up here inside that big belly valve over the weekend. The boiler itself is A-Ok but that ball valve is toasted. The new ball valve arrived this afternoon. BUT 

Just how are we going to tackle this?? After 4 decades of heating , cooling , heating , cooling , heating , and now we have to disassemble this sucker ?? Like Wish Me Luck Tomorrow 

Rode the commuter bike down to the Library to drop off my book and grab the one on hold for me. And Brother Steve , this was a new one on me. Knowing I am a few days overdue , I informed the librarian gal and offered to pay the fine. She explains to me that the library no longer chargers for overdue books. News To Me 

This Dave Davis art piece is now located in front of the library. I locked up the old trusty commuter and walked over to pay my respects. And Snapped Two Photos 

After that exchange was completed and I left with a few extra cents in my pocket , off to REI my happy little A$$ rode. House sitting folks gifted me this little gem of a card during the Holidaze and figured that it was time to burn it. Looky Looky 

Groovy Day For A High Of 23F / -5C ,

Cheers 

Round About

What Goes Up Must Come Down     Spinning Wheel Got To Go 'Round     Talkin' 'Bout Your Troubles    It Is A Cryin' Sin     Ride A Painted Pony     Let The Spinning Wheel Spin     You Got No Money       You Got No Home        Spinning Wheel All Alone     Talkin' 'Bout Your Troubles And You     You Never Learn   Ride A Painted Pony    Let The Spinning Wheel Turn

Blood, Sweat & Tears

Blood Sweat & Tears 1968

THINK SNOW:

Please , perform your snow dance tonight. These poor Aspen Trees are beyond thirsty and the evergreen trees might not stand a fighting chance. We are not as cold as the Frontstrange but we are flipping cold and arid I shout. The Western Slope of Colorado is like bone dry and to the core chilly. I only survived for about 20 minutes after sunset last night. Saw a few planets but wimped out with my tail between my legs. 

I arrived earlier than I anticipated as the winding mountain roads were pretty much desolate. Sort of glad that I did now that I'm reflecting on it. Just couldn't bare the thought of what was about to transpire out east. Like antsy dancy pants and jetting out of the valley was a solid call. So after a short drive from the big city of gj , strapped on the snowshoes , and began the march up towards a commanding viewing area. As you know , it is time to start looking up. How Many Planets Have You Picked Out???? That was yesterday's update. Today was a day of work , work some , go to work , and work on it. 

Exit Stage Right ,

Cheers 

Worried Is An Understatement

You Went Away And Left Me Long Time Ago    Now You're Knocking On My Door   I Hear You Knocking    But You Can't Come In     I Hear You Knocking     Go Back Where You Been      I Begged You Not To Go But You Said Goodbye      And Now You're Telling Me All Your Lies     I Hear You Knocking      But You Can't Come In      I Hear You Knocking       Go Back Where You Been    Oh Yeah 

Dave Edmunds

Rockpile 1971 

MOTHER EARTH:

We have this rare planetary alignment heading our way here around the 25th of January. Electrified & Terrifying 

Start checking out your evening sky now as Venus , Saturn , Neptune , Uranus , Mercury , Jupiter , And Mars commence this incredible celestial event by the end of this month. I would highly recommend researching your local State or University Astronomy Clubs for schedules , telescope viewing , and opportunities to hang with some cool cats. Seek Them Out 

And you wanna talk about one beautifully visible arch across the blanket of darkness above?? This celestial event carries significant meaning as well and almost all of these planets are visible with the naked eye. It just so happens that , personally still baffled , tomorrow begins a disastrous embarrassment for democracy. And this event in the night sky represent change. Totally Ironic  

UNBELIEVABLE:

It's time for me to toot my own horn here. Yes , I am about to brag all week and for Phuc-N good reason. I was with a gathering of folks for yesterdays Kanas City Chiefs , known as the CHEFS , and everyone was chattering about bets on-line from this NFL season. Not My Cup Of Tea 

I have never bet on-line and have zero interest in apps , PayPal , fund me accounts , and Tic Tok for that matter. Plus , gambling on-line loses it's interest because there isn't any tactile feedback or actual paper currency. And I know I would be 100% addicted to it. I guarantee that I would spiral down the rabbit hole with a loss and then a heavy bet to cover that loss and then another losing bet to cover that one and on and on that cycle goes until rehab for gambling anonymous I land. That's Me 

So there is this guy that I really don't resinate with or respect if I am being honest. But his wife is an absolute doll. He is just one of those that wont shut up and talks completely out of his A$$ just to be heard. After his dissertation of how great KC is and will always be , he predicts an Eagles vs CHEFS match up in the Super Bowl. Whatever 

The host and hostess use the app for Fan Kings or Draft Duals. Yes , I am projecting smart A$$ 101 material here. Him and his wife place small wagers on Draft Kings as a way of playful banter between themselves. The guy I don't care for made an asinine comment about it and I really wanted to chime in. But I took the higher road with this theory. Knowing KC has yet to cover the spread all year , I went all in on Houston. To really spice things up , I also took Washington at the half vs Detroit. Truly didn't believe that Washington had a chance in hell on the road but I just figured that they would keep it close in the first half and took the 5.5 points. Yes , I casually explained my theory to the group and they thought I tapped into the tequila around 8am or something. Classic 

For those of you that passed on watching any football, let me highlight my version of what went down here. Houston's opening drive ON THE ROAD lands them in a 4th and short situation within a 3 point field goal chip shot. I need the points and fully expected Houston to kick the field goal to start the game 3-0. Nope , they go for it on 4th down and fail miserably. I was so bummed. Around the middle of the 3rd quarter of the game , Houston missed a field and an extra point by this time , I handed my buddy who place the bet a cool crisp Andrew Jackson to pay my debt. His wife later thanked me for stepping up " being a man of my word " is what I recall her words being. Now , the game is basically over and KC has covered the spread of 9.5 points. KC is facing a 4th down with mere seconds left in the game and about to punt the ball back to Houston. I only need Houston to kick a field goal to cover at this point. Not going to happen because for one , they missed TWO field goals already and secondly , I know CJ will throw an interception while trying to hit a WR for a TD. Holy Sh*T Fire People!!!! Kansas City CHEFS punter takes the snap and runs out of the back of the end zone for a Houston Safety and TWO FLIPPING POINTS !!!! Those measly two points allowed Houston to lose by only 9 points and The CHEFS needed to win by 9.5 points. Won That Wager By Half A Point 

For those of you living under a rock and couldn't give a Ratz A$$ about American football , Washington not only kicked the living snot out of The Lions but Detroit was handed an A$$ whooping by halftime. Again , I needed Washington to be within 6 points of Detroit at Halftime. Washington and Detroit scored the most combined second quarter points in Playoff history and Washington was leading by 10 at the half. Are you ready for this??? My little twenty dollars paid out $560.oo Smackers!!!! Let my say that again , my two game parlay hit and my bragging rights went through the celling. The whole party went flipping nuts and the 2nd half of the Detroit game became this cloudy fog layered haze. Cloud 9 

The only reason I made this small wager is because of that Knucklehead popping off about KC and my previous $50 bet from Thanksgiving. For those of you that don't recall or don't remember , my nieces boyfriend was also talking out his A$$ about how great The Lions are and will win the Super Bowl. He claimed that Detroit would win the Super Bowl and he says , " I'll bet fifty bucks on that." I jumped on that bet right there at the dinner table and we shook hands. He took Detroit Lions to win the Super Bowl this year and I have the rest of the NFL. So for those two reasons , I know he wont pay me the 50 and I am waiting on the $560 still , I spiced up yesterdays games with one hell of a payout I tell ya. All because of two people popping off. Boom Shakalaka Boom 

And I am leaving you with one of my favs because I so have right on my side. Haven't been this happy in ages and those two bets and the three way spilt of cash from Last Man Standing has arguably rejuvenated my interest in the NFL again.  This 1955 gem transcends me way back to my youth. Whenever I was allowed to have a friend spend the night , we did the blanket over the coffee table tucked into the couch trick on Friday night. Saturday morning cartoons in the early 1970's , what a childhood I tell ya. The 70's was a magical decade for me , I just didn't know it at the time. 

Stay Strong This Monday The 20th ,

Cheers 

Where Did That Day Go

Old Man    Look At My Life     I'm A Lot Like You Were    Old Man      Look At My Life     I'm A Lot Like You Were    Twenty Four And There's So Much More    Live Alone In A Paradise     That Makes Me Think Of Two    Love Lost    Such A Cost  Give Me Things That Don't Get Lost     Like A Coin That Won't Get Tossed    Rolling Home To You    Old Man    Take A Look At My Life    I'm A Lot Like You  I Need Someone To Love Me The Whole Day Through   Ah , One Look In My Eyes And You Can Tell That's True 

Neil Young

Harvest 1972

Have zero idea why but my eyes pealed opened just after 3am. Unaware of the actual time , I stumbled my happy A$$ down the hallway for a whiz. Pretended myself back to bed but that ain't happening. Why do our minds race undesirably ?? I made the judgement call to power up the phone and damn near Sh*T myself when the time on the screen brightly indicates 3:11am. What The Flock Of Seagulls 

From that moment forward , problems around every corner. Couldn't believe how many unusual issues were presented to me. As if I was the answer guy??? After surfing the waves of chaos throughout the morning , slowly consume my leftovers for lunch , I rode down to the office. There , I was met by two wacky situations and one no show client. It Was A Monday 

This Wolf Moon is throwing folks out of balance in a spastic way. Two separate occasions I literally thought to myself , " Is it me?" Today was a true test to my centeredness , my process to remain present , and my ability to decipher what is what and who needs to hear exactly what they want to hear. Challenge Excepted 

So I am not at all complaining by any means. Just a little wore out for a Monday. Tomorrow is scheduled to the max and I might pass on an upload. Maybe Yes , Maybe No. My last client is penciled in at 7:30pm. And yes , Holidaze Lights are still up and GJ now offers a Red Light District. So we got that going for us.

Stay Hip Out There ,

Cheers 

Wild Card Weekend - Bring Back College Football

When The Moon Is In The Seventh House      And Jupiter Aligns With Mars     Then Peace Will Guide The Planets     And Love Will Steer The Stars        This Is The Dawning Of The Age Of Aquarius      The Age Of Aquarius 

Hair Ensemble 1967 

So what does one do on their first day off of 2025?? Well of course they apply for a job. Yup , scored a tip on a part time job that I just couldn't refuse to pass up. Donkey Kicking 

Turns out , there is this company OAK View and they are based in Seattle Washington. They apparently specialize in the process of filling position all across the states. The way that it was explained to me is that these style of industries are responsible for hiring employees for entertainment and sports disrupting. Example: our University just built a gorgeous theater on campus and they are desperate for employees to tend bar , stage hands , etc. Back our day ( most blogger and readers are of age ) we would apply as students for credit and rarely $$$$ would be offered. Mostly on the job experience. But today , students are useless so these jobs are out sourced to companies like OAK View. What blew my mind is OAK View hired GJ folks for the Avalon Theater , The Convention Center Downtown , and The Los C Amphitheater. Unreal 

So I was informed that this OAK Team is looking for Audio/Visual/Lighting Technicians for the brand new Artesia Theater on campus. Basically running cables , operating spot lights , and trouble shooting mics , soundboards , etc. All these task are completely in my wheelhouse so I was moderately intrigued. I became rather aroused when I discovered the starting wage is $40 an hour. Top shelf pay for weekend work this spring/summer. Bring It 

Send Positive Vibes My Way Please ,

Cheers 

Pandemonium on 1/11 at 5:55

Hey Neighbor Let Me Give You Some Advice   The Russians Are About To Pulverize Us     In Our Sleep Tonight   That Is If The Crazy Arabs    Or The Riots Don't Get Us First      And The Fire Will Rain Down From The Sky    The Fire Will Rain Down From The Sky    People Will Die    People Will Die   But Go Ahead     Sleep Tight In Your Bed    Remember What The Wise Man Said    There's Nothing To Fear     There's Nothing To Fear ( but fear itself )     Hey Little Girl Won't You Come This Way    Won't You Let Me Buy You Candy Or Perhaps A Chocolate Shake    Or Perhaps Some Nice Cocaine   Or Perhaps A Little Kiss    Or Perhaps A Ride In My Big Car     Perhaps A Ride In My Big Car    Won't You Make An Old Man Happy    Won't You Make An Old Man Happy     Won't You Let Me Show You Paradise   Don't Ask Your Mother For Advice 

Oingo Boingo

Nothing To Fear 1982

Took to the mean streets of GJ early this morning to experience the great flipping blizzard of 2025. I especially love these mornings when not another soul materializes from the horizon. Endures 360 degrees of pure silence with a sprinkling hint of solitude. True Peacefulness 

As you gathered , damn near broke my back shoveling out from this storm. 

Keep On Dancing ,

Cheers 

10th Day of January

Captured Effortlessly     That's The Way It Was     Happened So Naturally    I Did Not Know It Was Love   The Next Thing I Felt Was You    Holding Me Close    What Was I Gonna Do   I Let Myself Go    And Now We're Flying Through The Stars    I Hope This Night Will Last Forever    I've Been Waiting For You It's Been So Long      I Knew Just What I Would Do     When I Heard Your Song     Filled My Heart With Your Bliss      Gave Me Freedom     You Knew I Could Not Resist     I Need Someone    Ani't Nobody   Love Me Better     Makes Me Happy     Makes Me Feel This Way    Ani't Nobody    Loves Me Better Than You 

Chaka Khan

Stompin' at the Savoy 1983 

Today was full speed ahead. I only anticipated working two jobs but ended up working three separate locations today. Nothing major or out of the ordinary. Just Problem Solving

Maneuvered a sweet walk during the halftime of the TexA$$ vs Buckeye game. We only hit 37F / 2.7C for our high temperature so I was caught off guard during this walk. I was way overdressed for it. I expected the air to steal my breath as I stepped into the elements but not the case. The cloud cover is clearly insulating the radiating heat. Not Bad 

So we have all made it through the first 10 days of January. It's far from over but made it this far. Fingers crossed , Sunday will be my first day off of 2025. Maybe Yes , Maybe No 

Cheers 

Von 99 Luftballons Und Dass Sowas Von Sowas Kommt

You And I In A Little Toy Shop     Buy A Bag Of Balloons With The Money We've Got    Set Them Free At The Break Of Dawn   Til One By One    They Were Gone     Back At Base    Bugs In Software    Flash The Message     Something's Out There     Floating In The Summer Sky       Ninety Nine Red Balloons Go On By 

Nena

Nena 1983

While I was on the commuter bike near downtown GJ , balloons from a local car dealership broke free and floated up into the perfectly bluebird skies above. Unfortunately , this damn song landed in my head like an old engram playing over and over and over. It wasn't until I was about halfway through a session with a client that I was able to finally break that loop. Not a bad song but hours later it became daunting to say the least. Click 

Today went well. No flash and dash. Early morning wrenching on a treadmill. No biggie. Afternoon ride into the headwind BOTH ways of course. My presentation regarding pool chemicals , filter back flushing procedures , and overall basic problem solving was well received this afternoon. My only real concern is that the front desk folks are experiencing the highest turnover position at the club. So I wonder if I will be hosting another talk in 6 month or so. Until that bridge , will happily remain on call. Yippee 

Wrapped up the evening here in the office. Both clients were visiting with standard issues and goals of relieving stress and low back issues. Our low for this evening is forecasted for 14F / -10C which means I am not all fired up for jumping on the bike at this time. Strava sent me a notice via email that I am no longer top dog of this section anymore. It Is What It Is 

Keep Looking Up ,

Cheers 

Bluebird Day Here In Colorado

I'm Alone     Sitting With My Empty Glass    My Four Walls     Follow Me Through My Past    I Was On A Train    I Emerged In London Rain      And You Were Waiting There    Swimming Through Apologies     I Remember Searching For The Perfect Words     I Was Hoping You Might Change Your Mind    I Remember A Soldier Sleeping Next To Me     Riding On The Metro 

Berlin

Pleasure Victim 1982  

Today was a full day in the office with a couple of short errands on the bike. The temperature hovered around freezing all day but plenty of sunshine. Overall , I would rate this day as a B+. One of my clients was rather thoughtful and baked homemade cookies for me. I just didn't have the heart to explain that they were made with cow butter or enriched flower. Still , extremely thankful and projected gratitude while accepting the whole ziplock bag. Yikes 

Think Snow Please ,

Cheers 

One Week Into The New Year , Already

One , Two , There , Four , Five , Six     Whoa Oh    I Don't Want To Spend The Rest Of My Life    Looking At The Barrel Of An Armalite    I Don't Want To Spend The Rets Of My Days    Keeping Out Of Trouble Like The Soldiers Say     I Don't Want To Spend My Time In Hell    Looking At The Walls Of A Prison Cell    I Don't Want To Play The Part     Of The Statistic On A Government Chart    There Has To Be An Invisible Sun     It Gives Its Heat To Everyone    There Has To Be An Invisible Sun    That Gives Us Hope When The Whole Day's Done 

The Police

Ghost in the Machine 1981

Stumbled across this pad tonight. Not sure why this attached my attention. Wish there was a blanket of soft fresh snow for a proper accent of holidaze cheer. But still , kinda cool for a week into January. Do any of you feel that there is a recommended date as to when lights are no longer ??

Have A Delightful Hump Day My Friends ,

Cheers 

Christmas Cactus

Back To Life    Back To Reality    Back To Here And Now      Show Me How To Decide       What You Want From        Tell Me           Maybe I Could Be There For You   How Ever Do You Want Me 

Soul II Soul 

Club Classics Vol. I 1989

So little to report and so much time to do so. Strike That , Reverse It. 

Long Live Gene Wilder!! 

It is late now and this sleepy head is about to squeeze the soft cool pillow here soon. Throughly enjoying the commuter bike as GJ has zero snow accumulation and nothing in the forecast as of yet. 

Stay Beautiful,

Cheers